Birch vs 3/4 MDF SPL box

[xSPLoder 10+ year member]

blowing apart as in splitting where the screws were screwed in too btw

 

[CAT MAN 5,000+ posts]

blowing apart as in splitting where the screws were screwed in too btw

bad glue joints on your end

 

[cyn 10+ year member]

As I said this is the first box I've had the Issue with coming apart at the seams but I have done every box the same.. One Piece at a time let dry for 3-4 hours then do the next Piece. Pre Drill all holes for the screws etc... I have had 3 MDF boxes where Screws would basically pull out with the sub. #8wood screws 1.5" long , And have had 1 box that I used all threads on and it basically pulled the washer & nut halfway through the MDF... But 4 boxes out of 30 or so isn't that bad of an Issue as It could of been bad wood from the shop or User Error / Moisture Buildup or something else..

 

[pro-rabbit 5,000+ posts]

blowing apart as in splitting where the screws were screwed in

Splitting wood is also from poor build practices.

If your enclosure..

Blows apart

Has splitting

Subs pull screws out

Flexes

This means you need to look at how you build and do better.

 

[xSPLoder 10+ year member]

I actually bought this pre made from a friend that was rocking it in a Tiburon. I needed a box 3 days before a show. That's why I want to make sure this new box is done right

 

[Sonic. 10+ year member]

Go with the mdf.

 

[quackhead 10+ year member]

18mm Baltic Birch is used in Pro Audio sub systems that handle that kind of power for a reason..It is lighter and stronger. About the only advantage of MDF is the cost...if cost is not the issue, then use the superior material.

 

[xSPLoder 10+ year member]

Up here in NY 1 full sheet of MDF is $29. My buddy found a place in Buffalo that was selling the birch for $32 a full sheet

 

[Chriszle 10+ year member]

18mm Baltic Birch is used in Pro Audio sub systems that handle that kind of power for a reason..It is lighter and stronger. About the only advantage of MDF is the cost...if cost is not the issue, then use the superior material.

So your saying that Birch is acoustically equal to or superior than MDF?

 

[BlurredVision 10+ year member]

I use plywood and I have talked to guys that have done world records that use it. Brace when appropriate, double layer if you can, and the only difference is weight, weather resistance, and how much easier it is to work with.

I was in Lowes looking at the wood and plywood looks much like birch. Can't remember the price you
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[bhsdriller 10+ year member]

fuck birch....I don't like how it machines vs mdf

Just wheel my table saw out of the garage onto the driveway, dust problem solved. Same with router and sander

 

---------- Post added at 09:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:01 AM ----------

 

and like the others said....if your box is blowing apart then your not building it right lol

 

[quackhead 10+ year member]

this whole thread depends mostly on what TYPE of birch plywood you have......is it 5'x5' Baltic Birch?....as I said earlier..it is superior, but you need to know exactly what type you have, because some "birch plywoods" have lesser qualities/thickness.

 

[xSPLoder 10+ year member]

fuck birch....I don't like how it machines vs mdf
Just wheel my table saw out of the garage onto the driveway, dust problem solved. Same with router and sander

 

---------- Post added at 09:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:01 AM ----------

 

and like the others said....if your box is blowing apart then your not building it right lol

I didn't build the first box. I only cut the second face plate and jigsawed the holes for it because the original holes were cut too big

 

[quackhead 10+ year member]

fuck birch....I don't like how it machines vs mdf
Just wheel my table saw out of the garage onto the driveway, dust problem solved. Same with router and sander

 

---------- Post added at 09:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:01 AM ----------

 

 

 

and like the others said....if your box is blowing apart then your not building it right lol

yea, it is stronger and you need sharp tools and a slower feed rate....but I have literally machined both and the Birch won't gum the cutters as bad as MDF

 

[pro-rabbit 5,000+ posts]

Also, don't get birch from a hardware store like Lowes or HD. Their Birch is not void free, it can be ordered by they will **** you in charges for that. You are better off finding a lumber yard that will allow for direct sales.